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Writer's pictureGurprit Ganda

Can EMDR Therapy Treat Anxiety? Exploring the Benefits and Effectiveness

Updated: Sep 30

Can EMDR Therapy Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can manifest in various forms, from generalized anxiety disorder to specific phobias and panic attacks. While traditional talk therapy and medication can be helpful in managing anxiety, there is another highly effective technique that has shown remarkable results – EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).


What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since become a widely recognized therapy for treating trauma, anxiety, and other mental health issues. EMDR involves a structured eight-phase process that utilizes bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sound) to help individuals process distressing memories and experiences (Shapiro, 2018).


The theoretical foundation of EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which posits that psychological distress is often caused by inadequately processed memories of adverse life experiences (Shapiro, 2001). By targeting these memories and facilitating their reprocessing, EMDR aims to alleviate symptoms and promote adaptive functioning.


How does EMDR help in Treating Anxiety?

One of the key reasons why EMDR is helpful in treating anxiety is that it targets the root cause of the issue rather than just treating the symptoms. It allows individuals to process traumatic events and experiences from their past that may be contributing to their current anxiety symptoms.


Research has shown that EMDR can be particularly effective for various anxiety disorders. A meta-analysis by Yunitri et al. (2020) found that EMDR was significantly effective in reducing anxiety symptoms across different anxiety disorders, with a large overall effect size (g = -0.83, 95% CI: -1.14 to -0.52, p < 0.001). This study provides strong evidence for the efficacy of EMDR in treating anxiety disorders.


EMDR works by "shining a light" into those dark corners of our minds where negative experiences are stored. When we bring these experiences to light, they lose their power over us, much like bugs scattering when a light is shone on them. This technique allows individuals to reprocess traumatic memories and change their negative core beliefs about themselves.


What to Expect During an EMDR Session?

During an EMDR session, your therapist will guide you through the eight phases of EMDR. First, you will identify a current day problem related to your anxiety, such as a specific fear or trigger. Then, you will focus on the physical sensations associated with this problem and any negative thoughts or beliefs that come up. Next, you will "float back" and identify any early memories or experiences that are connected to these feelings and beliefs.


One of the crucial aspects of EMDR is that it is client-led. This means that you decide which memories to bring up and work on, rather than the therapist choosing for you. This can be empowering for individuals as they have control over their healing process.


After identifying the early memory connected to your anxiety, your therapist will guide you through a series of bilateral stimulations while you hold this memory in mind. The bilateral stimulation can be achieved through eye movements, tapping, or sound. This process continues until the memory is desensitized, meaning it loses its emotional charge. The final phase involves reprocessing the memory with more positive thoughts and beliefs.


Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has shown significant efficacy in treating various anxiety-related conditions. Multiple studies have reported reductions in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression following EMDR treatment (Wippich et al., 2023; Chen et al., 2014). The therapy has been successfully applied in diverse populations, including forensic patients (Every-Palmer et al., 2023), individuals with multiple sclerosis (Wallis & de Vries, 2020), and children with epilepsy (Dautovic et al., 2016). EMDR has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing grief (Cotter et al., 2017), sports-related trauma (Reynoso-Sánchez & Hoyos-Flores, 2023), and traffic accident-related stress (Yaşar et al., 2022). Participants often reported initial skepticism but were ultimately surprised by the positive outcomes, highlighting improved self-confidence and overall well-being (Every-Palmer et al., 2023). The therapy's empowering nature and its ability to target underlying drivers of maladaptive behavior were noted as key benefits (Every-Palmer et al., 2023; Cotter et al., 2017).


Types of Anxiety That Can Be Treated with EMDR

EMDR has shown efficacy in treating various types of anxiety disorders:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): A randomized controlled trial by Rezvani et al. (2015) found that EMDR was effective in reducing symptoms of GAD, with improvements maintained at follow-up.


  • Panic Disorder: Horst et al. (2017) conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing EMDR to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for panic disorder. Both treatments were found to be equally effective, with EMDR showing faster improvement in some areas.

  • Social Anxiety Disorder: A study by Carletto et al. (2021) demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing symptoms of social anxiety disorder, with improvements maintained at 6-month follow-up.

  • Specific Phobias: While research on EMDR for specific phobias is more limited, case studies and smaller trials have shown promising results (de Jongh et al., 1991).

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Although not classified as an anxiety disorder in DSM-5, PTSD often co-occurs with anxiety. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EMDR for PTSD (Chen et al., 2014).


Challenges and Considerations

While EMDR has shown remarkable results in treating anxiety, there are a few types of anxiety that may be more challenging to treat with this technique. These include panic attacks, agoraphobia, speaking anxiety, specific phobias, and other anxiety disorders that may have a strong physiological component.


However, this does not mean that EMDR cannot help with these conditions. In many cases, EMDR has still shown significant improvement if not complete recovery for individuals with these types of anxiety. It may just require more intensive and targeted treatment to address the physiological aspects of their anxiety.


It's important to note that EMDR should be conducted by a trained and certified therapist. The quality of the therapeutic relationship and the therapist's adherence to the EMDR protocol are crucial factors in the treatment's success (Shapiro, 2018).


Conclusion

As a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in using EMDR, I have witnessed its transformative effects on clients struggling with anxiety. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to target the root cause of anxiety and allow individuals to reprocess traumatic memories and change their negative core beliefs. This technique is client-led and can be done in-person or through virtual therapy platforms.


The growing body of research supporting EMDR's efficacy in treating anxiety disorders is encouraging. However, it's important to remember that every individual's experience with anxiety is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. EMDR should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include other therapeutic approaches, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication.


If you are struggling with anxiety, consider exploring EMDR as an option for healing and overcoming your fears. Consult with a qualified mental health professional to determine if EMDR is appropriate for your specific situation. With the right approach and support, it is possible to manage and overcome anxiety, leading to a more fulfilling and less fearful life.


References

  • Carletto, S., Malandrone, F., Berchialla, P., Oliva, F., Colombi, N., Hase, M., Hofmann, A., & Ostacoli, L. (2021). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1894736

  • Chen, Y. R., Hung, K. W., Tsai, J. C., Chu, H., Chung, M. H., Chen, S. R., Liao, Y. M., Ou, K. L., Chang, Y. C., & Chou, K. R. (2014). Efficacy of Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Patients with Posttraumatic-Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. PLoS ONE, 9(8), e103676. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0103676

  • Cotter, P., Meysner, L., & Lee, C. W. (2017). Participant experiences of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing vs. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for grief: similarities and differences. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 8(sup6). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2017.1375838

  • Dautovic, E., De Roos, C., Van Rood, Y., Dommerholt, A., & Rodenburg, R. (2016). Pediatric seizure-related posttraumatic stress and anxiety symptoms treated with EMDR: a case series. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v7.30123

  • De Jongh, A., Ten Broeke, E., & Renssen, M. R. (1999). Treatment of specific phobias with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): protocol, empirical status, and conceptual issues. Journal of anxiety disorders, 13(1-2), 69–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0887-6185(98)00040-1

  • Every-Palmer, S., Ross, B., Flewett, T., Rutledge, E., Hansby, O., & Bell, E. (2023). Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in prison and forensic services: a qualitative study of lived experience. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2023.2282029

  • Horst, F., Den Oudsten, B., Zijlstra, W., de Jongh, A., Lobbestael, J., & De Vries, J. (2017). Cognitive behavioral therapy vs. eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for treating panic disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1409. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01409

  • Marich, J., Howell, T., Paperno-Krause, M., & Simiola, V. (2021). The phenomenology of EMDR therapy: A grounded theory qualitative study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15(1), 18-32. https://doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-D-20-00030

  • Reynoso-Sánchez, L. F., & Hoyos-Flores, J. R. (2023). A Single-Session Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Reduces Anxiety and Improves Self-confidence in Athletes with Post-traumatic Stress Associated with Injury. International Journal of Sport Studies for Health, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.5812/intjssh-134823

  • Rezvani, F., Dowlatabadi, S., & Behzadi, S. (2015). The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing pathological worry in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: a preliminary study. Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, 17(1), 33–43. https://doi.org/10.12740/app/39259

  • Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

  • Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

  • Wallis, O. C., & De Vries, J. (2020). EMDR treatment for anxiety in MS patients: A pilot study. Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental Translational and Clinical, 6(4), 205521732097438. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055217320974388

  • Wippich, A., Howatson, G., Allen-Baker, G., Farrell, D., Kiernan, M., & Scott-Bell, A. (2023). Eye movement desensitization reprocessing as a treatment for PTSD in conflict-affected areas. Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001430

  • YaÅŸar, A. B., Konuk, E., Kavakçı, Ö., Uygun, E., GündoÄŸmuÅŸ, Ä°., Taygar, A. S., & UludaÄŸ, E. (2022). A Randomized-Controlled trial of EMDR Flash technique on traumatic symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, and life of quality with individuals who have experienced a traffic accident. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.845481

  • Yunitri, N., Kao, C. C., Chu, H., Voss, J., Chiu, H. L., Liu, D., ... & Chou, K. R. (2020). The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing toward anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 123, 102-113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.01.005

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